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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House spox confident of RICE Act's swift passage; here's why

House spox confident of RICE Act's swift passage; here's why

Published Jul 4, 2025 12:40 pm  |  Updated Jul 4, 2025 01:22 pm

At A Glance

  • House of Representatives spokesperson Princess Abante is optimistic that the passage of the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act will be fast-tracked in the 20th Congress.
House of Representatives spokesperson Princess Abante is optimistic that the passage of the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act will be fast-tracked in the 20th Congress.
Abante on Friday, July 4, expressed her confidence on Congress' swift action on the measure, as she believed no House member will oppose a bill that would grant affordable rice to the people.
The RICE Act was the first bill that was filed at the start of the 20th Congress--something that highlighted its legislative priority status.
It seeks to reorganize and strengthen the National Food Authority (NFA) to reduce rice prices, empower Filipino farmers, and stabilize the country's grain supply.
It also authorizes NFA to buy palay at competitive prices, manage buffer stocks and directly sell affordable rice to consumers during periods of price volatility.
According to Abante, the measure, filed by former House Speaker, Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, is aligned with President Marcos' food security agenda. It also complements other legislative priorities related to public health, education and regional development.
The bill is expected to benefit low-income households the most, amid persistent inflationary pressures on essential commodities. 
Abante also says there is a broad political support for affordable food programs, especially those that protect both ends of the supply chain–the rice farmers and the consuming public
Because of such alignment, it has bigger chances of swift passage, she said.
“Well, we are looking forward na katulad noong 19th Congress kung saan nakita natin kung gaano naging productive ang 19th Congress sa paglalabas at pagpapasa ng mga batas (that like in the 19th Congress, we could see again the productivity in terms of passing various measures),” Abante said.
''Sa patuloy na pagkakaisa ng mga miyembro nito ay makikita natin ‘yung mas mabilis na pag-usad ng galaw ng mga bills lalung-lalo na para sa mga ganitong klaseng legislations na sumasagot sa mga basic needs ng mga Pilipino (Because of the continued unity among House members, we will see quick progress on these types of legislation, especially those that address basic needs of Filipinos),'' she added.
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